Paola's Restaurant

Name: Paola's Restaurant
Address: 1295 Madison Ave, New York, NY, United States, 10028
Telephone: (212) 794-1890
Price range: $31 to $50
Rating: 4.4

4.4

1419 Reviews

$31 to $50

Italian

Top Tags:

"Everybody in New York seems to be looking for the perfect neighborhood restaurant. I think I found it."
- Ruth Reichl, The New York Times

For almost 30 years, Executive Chef Paola Bottero has offered an authentic Italian dining experience and a warm welcome on Manhattan’s Upper East Side. An icon of the Carnegie Hill Neighborhood, Paola’s serves lunch, dinner, weekend brunch and Stuzzichini “lite bites” at the gracious bar or al fresco at the outdoor tables. Joined by her son Stefano, together they are committed to the freshest ingredients and the truest interpretations of La Cucina Italiana. Benvenuti!

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Takeout

(212) 794-1890

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Elegant
Cuisines
Italian, Vegetarian
Hours of operation
Dinner: Sunday - Monday 5 -10 pm,
Tuesday - Saturday 5 - 11 pm

Lunch: Monday - Friday 12 - 4 pm

Brunch: Saturday 11 - 4 pm

Brunch: Sunday 10 - 4 pm

Stuzzichini "Lite Bites" at the bar or outdoor tables 4 - 6 pm
Phone number
(212) 794-1890
Website
http://www.paolasrestaurant.com/
Payment options
AMEX, MasterCard, Visa
Dress code
Business Casual
Executive chef
Paola Bottero
Catering
Upscale, farm fresh, home made. Classic Italian, Vegetarian, Gluten Free menus available. Hand made pastas, house made desserts.
Private party facilities
Paola's Restaurant can accommodate private events for 8 – 80 guests. Upstairs from our main dining room we have access to 4 rooms as part of the Hotel Wales, the largest of which, the brand new, stylish Carnegie Room, can accommodate up to 80. We specialize in private parties such as Rehearsal Dinners, Weddings, Baptisms, Business Meetings, Bar Mitzvahs and Fundraisers. In addition, there is a glorious roof top space with views of Central Park available in the spring and summer months. The roof terrace accommodates up to 80 and is serviced by a private kitchen.

There is a cover charge for private spaces and per person menu prices are customized to suit the needs of your event.
Private party contact
Paola Bottero: (212) 794-1890

Location
1295 Madison Ave New York, NY 10028
Neighborhood
Upper East Side
Cross street
92nd Street
Parking details
After 7 pm, free parking is available on Madison Avenue. Prior to 7 pm, parking can be paid by credit card or coins at the Muni Meter kiosks , after which the receipt should be displayed inside the car on the dashboard. Side street parking is free, but be careful to observe alternate side of the street parking rules indicated on the signs. The nearest parking garage is located on 94th Street between Madison & Park Avenues.
Public transit
Subway: The nearest subway station is 96th Street and Lexington Avenue. The nearest express subway station is 86th Street and Lexington Avenue. Bus: The M1, M2, M3 and M4 busses all stop directly in front of Paola’s at 92nd and Madison Avenue.
Additional
Banquet, Bar Dining, BYO Wine, Corkage Fee, Delivery, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Featured in

The Best Pizza in New York City

Mozzarella$14.00
house-made warm mozzarella with roasted peppers, fresh basil, taggiasca olives vinaigrette
Prosciutto$16.00
slices of parma prosciutto, chunks of grana padano
Calamari in Padella$14.00
seared squid topped with aromatic breadcrumbs, extra virgin olive oil and a squeeze of lemon, served in a cast iron pan
Polpettine Alla Romana$14.00
american grass fed beef and all natural hampshire pork meatballs, savory tomato sauce, ricotta and pecorino cheese
Fegatini Alla Toscana$14.00
seared bell & evans chicken livers, onions, polenta
Insalata Di Barbe$14.00
roasted fresh beets with montrachet goat cheese, toasted hazelnuts, orange segments, watercress
Cesare$12.00
classic caesar's salad with house-made croutons
- With Shrimp or Chicken$20.00
Insalata Di Indivia$14.00
endive and watercress salad, toasted walnuts, granny smith apples, crumbled gorgonzola cheese
Rughetta E Parmigiano$12.00
baby arugula with oil and lemon vinaigrette, shaved grana padano
Olive E Grana$10.00
mixed herbed olives, chunks of grana padano

Pasta

pasta is available as a half order at $12

Trofie Genovesi$22.00
traditional ligurian hand-rolled trofie pasta, fresh basil pesto, toasted pine nuts, potatoes, string beans
Cavatelli Alla Barese$22.00
traditional pugliese shell shaped pasta tossed with sweet sausages and sautéed broccoli rabe
Linguine Alle Vongole$22.00
pasta and littleneck clams in a white wine and garlic sauce
Bucatini All'amatriciana 22$22.00
traditional roman thick hollow spaghetti plum tomatoes, applewood smoked bacon, onions
Rigatoni Con Porcini E Salsiccia$22.00
rigatoni with spicy italian sausages, porcini mushrooms
Fettuccine Alla Bolognese$22.00
fettuccine, grass fed beef, natural hampshire pork
Pappardelle Con Ragù Di Anatra$22.00
flat ribbon noodles with duck ragù
Pici Con Asparagi$22.00
house-made spaghetti, asparagus, lemon zest
Taglierini Con Funghi$24.00
taglierini, trumpet royale mushrooms, shaved black truffles
Agnolotti Al Tartufo$24.00
veal and porcini stuffed ravioli, red wine reduction, shaved grana, black truffles
Spaghetti Al Pomodoro$20.00
house-made spaghetti, tomatoes, fresh basil
Half or Split Order of Pasta$14.00
"whole wheat" and "gluten free" pastas available

Secondi

Gamberi Alla Griglia$28.00
grilled jumbo shrimp, grilled corn salad, arugula
Costoletta Di Vitella$42.00
grilled veal chop (non confined-humanely raised veal) spinach, choice of roasted or mashed potatoes
Scaloppina Di Vitella Piccata$28.00
veal scaloppine, lemon butter, capers, spinach, potatoes
Bistecca$40.00
simply grilled 16 oz. creekstone black angus sirloin steak, sautéed spinach, potatoes
Anatra$28.00
seared duck breast with wholegrain red risotto, italian mushrooms, house-made apricot mustard, black truffle vinaigrette
Pollastrello$22.00
roasted all natural hudson valley cornish hen, roasted potatoes, grilled zucchini
Petto Di Pollo Milanese$22.00
pounded and breaded bell and evans chicken breast, rucola salad, tomatoes
Agnello a Scottadito$40.00
grilled lamb chops (elysian fields pennsylvania lamb), broccoli rabe, potatoes

Contorni

Borlotti Beans$8.00
Grilled Asparagus$8.00
Roasted Potatoes$8.00
Spinach Oil and Garlic$8.00
Sauteed String Beans$8.00
Broccoli Raabe$8.00
Mashed Potatoes$8.00
Spinach Pine Nuts, Raisins$8.00

What 1,419 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

4.4

4.4 based on all time ratings

4.4Food
4.3Service
4.1Ambience
4.1Value

Noise • Moderate

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Filters

PL
PatrickL
New York Area
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on March 12, 2020
overall5food5service4ambience4
Still one of the best restaurants on the UES. Food is consistently great and the service is always attentive, but not intrusive.
c
chips
New York Area
9 reviews
5.0
9 reviews
Dined on March 6, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
Always a hit. Consistently good. Love the carciofi, the pasta, branzino - the best in the city!
GW
GigiW
New York Area
28 reviews
vip
5.0
28 reviews
Dined on February 29, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
The food was outstanding as well as the service. It’s a high energy ambiance that is a bit noisy. Love the restaurants and will be back.
FE
FoodEB
New York Area
11 reviews
vip
2.0
11 reviews
Dined on February 26, 2020
overall2food4service1ambience3
The waiter studiously ignored us. It made the total experience unpleasant.
B
Barts12017
New York Area
20 reviews
vip
5.0
20 reviews
Dined on February 25, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience4
Food is always delicious—if only it didn’t get so noisy—the restaurant—not the food!
MM
MichelleM
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on February 23, 2020
overall4food4service4ambience3
Paula’s Restaurant is bustling on a Saturday night with lots of dinner parties. They offer bread which isn’t fresh unfortunately, but their food is. The pasta and bolognese sauce was delicious. They have attentive and fast service, but seemed to rush us in and out to accommodate other guests. I’d recommend it for the food, but the experience was sub par.
B
Buddy
New York Area
15 reviews
vip
5.0
15 reviews
Dined on February 23, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
The food and service are unbeatable. I have always been pleased after dining there many times.
m
moshiemom
New York Area
8 reviews
vip
5.0
8 reviews
Dined on February 23, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
this is one of my favorite restaurants. i can not wait for them to open up in long island this weekend.
R
Rosie
New York Area
124 reviews
vip
5.0
124 reviews
Dined on February 22, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
Paola’s offers superb Italian cuisine and impeccable service. The ambiance is warm and inviting, and the room is spacious and filled with light. Bravo! We look forward to returning to Paola’s soon.
v
vegandiner
New York Area
4 reviews
2.0
4 reviews
Dined on February 20, 2020
overall2food2service1ambience1
The place is loud,the food is unexceptional,the bathroom is almost 3rd world. There is no cell reception in the dining room so you have to stand by the front door to f you need to receive a call. It was so loud I couldn’t hear my dinner partner and the wait staff seemed surly
B
Bensage
New York Area
29 reviews
4.0
29 reviews
Dined on February 20, 2020
overall4food4service4ambience4
Decent upscale Italian. A bit pricey for lunch very tasty pasta with duck ragout.
E
Evelyn
Naples
27 reviews
vip
5.0
27 reviews
Dined on February 19, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
It’s no wonder that Paola’s is always full. This establishment runs like a fine tuned machine. Service is above board.
OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on February 15, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
Valentines Day
L
Lauren
New York Area
89 reviews
vip
5.0
89 reviews
Dined on February 15, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
The food is always fresh and delicious and the waiter are very friendly
FG
ForrestG
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on February 14, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
Staff handled the hyperactivity of Valentine’s Day dinner time with skill and courtesy. Our waiter Adrian was helpful and courteous, but was careful to remain in the background to allow us to enjoy our fabulous food. Will certainly return.
GG
GhisellaGhi
Washington DC
15 reviews
5.0
15 reviews
Dined on February 14, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
E sempre bello tornare da voi
G
Great
West Palm Beach
18 reviews
5.0
18 reviews
Dined on February 13, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great food
r
rcm1
Washington DC
38 reviews
vip
5.0
38 reviews
Dined on February 12, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
Food was delicious service was impeccable.
SS
SusanS
New York Area
4 reviews
4.0
4 reviews
Dined on February 7, 2020
overall4food4service4ambience4
Ok been there before and food much better the first time
OT
OpenTable Diner
Miami
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on February 6, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
I’m from Miami, and come to nyc often. Paola is the restaurant I always choose for lunch. The fried baby artichokes (a la Judea) are the main reason. I always feel like I’m in Rome at Piperno!
OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
8 reviews
vip
5.0
8 reviews
Dined on February 6, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
We will return often. No question! It was wonderful in every way.
b
bonnie
New York Area
8 reviews
5.0
8 reviews
Dined on February 5, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
Wait staff appropriate at tentative. Wine by the glass selection excellent. Was not rushed with meal. Third time here
KH
KarenH
Atlanta
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on February 2, 2020
overall4food3service5ambience4
Perfectly fine if not outstanding pasta dishes (nothing wrong with them; but not special); great service; nice location and ambiance.
JP
JosephP
Panama
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on February 2, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
It was my birthday dinner and could not have been happier with my 3 courses!
LR
LisaR
New Orleans
14 reviews
vip
5.0
14 reviews
Dined on February 1, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
Consistently excellent! Skilled staff and delicious food.
S
Susan
New York Area
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on February 1, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
Paola’s is a great restaurant! The good and ambience is great
MR
MichaelR
New York Area
11 reviews
5.0
11 reviews
Dined on January 30, 2020
overall5food5service3ambience5
As always Paola’s was outstanding in terms of food, table service, etc. I’ve downgraded my rating for the following reason: I have lunch there 3-6 times a year, always request a window table and always get it. This time - despite two window tables being empty - we were told that larger parties had reserved both of them. By the time we finished eating one table still was empty and the other held a party of two. It’s a small point but it’s annoying.
g
glennd
New York Area
9 reviews
vip
5.0
9 reviews
Dined on January 28, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
Excellent food, service and ambiance. Had a great lunch there and will definitely return
C
Cuba
New York Area
51 reviews
vip
3.0
51 reviews
Dined on January 27, 2020
overall3food3service3ambience4
I’ve eaten here before I was very disappointed with the waiter way felt really ignored us, the quality of the food was average, the busboy was the best all evening, it was is not a really good experience and dinner enjoy my dinner
SG
StevenG
New York Area
3 reviews
vip
4.0
3 reviews
Dined on January 26, 2020
overall4food5service5ambience5
Had brunch at the bar. Love this place except for one thing. It’s hard to eat at the bar because the barstools are too low. Other than that, great food and atmosphere.
OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
3 reviews
vip
4.0
3 reviews
Dined on January 26, 2020
overall4food5service5ambience5
Always live our meals and the ambience
D
Diner
New York Area
41 reviews
vip
5.0
41 reviews
Dined on January 25, 2020
overall5food4service5ambience4
Good food, attentive service, great drinks prepared by bartender Beata. A terrific experience.
KA
KathyA
New York Area
18 reviews
vip
1.0
18 reviews
Dined on January 23, 2020
overall1food1service1ambience1
I am writing to express my extreme disappointment regarding our reservation for 4 at 7:30pm yesterday January 26th. My family and I arrived on time for our 7:30pm reservation. We were told that our table would be ready in 5 minutes. After waiting in the cramped area near the door that kept opening and we kept getting bumped into by waitstaff, we asked how our table was doing. We were then told that the people paid their check but were still drinking their coffee. After waiting for 25 minutes we left. I had just begun coming back to Paola's after having had rude service several years earlier. Unfortunately I will not be back again and will let my friends know that if they want a disappointing experience then make a reservation at Paola's. There didn't seem to be anyone in charge. Awful Awful. Thankfully Vicolina is opening soon!!
OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
4 reviews
vip
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on January 22, 2020
overall5food5service4ambience5
Food was wonderful as always.
C
Carmenuu
New York Area
138 reviews
vip
5.0
138 reviews
Dined on January 21, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
Paola’s it’s classic Roman Italian restaurant, food it’s really good. They have carbonara, matriciana, best Cacio e pepe in town. And it’s the only place I can have tipical puntarella salad, it’s delicious. Ambiance is great, service excellent. A good selection of wine by the glass. We go and keep going never disappointed, even that we don’t live in the neighborhood, worth to go there.
BW
BethW
New York Area
11 reviews
5.0
11 reviews
Dined on January 20, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
Always a reliable choice. The food is great, healthy and. Creative. You can hear, and the service is attentive.
m
markj
New York Area
12 reviews
vip
5.0
12 reviews
Dined on January 19, 2020
overall5food5service4ambience4
The food is superb. One of the best restaurants not only on the UES but in all of NYC.
D
Diner
New York Area
41 reviews
vip
4.0
41 reviews
Dined on January 16, 2020
overall4food4service5ambience4
This neighborhood restaurant has very good food, attentive staff and a good vibe. The bartender, Beata, also makes a fabulous Vesper Martini using both Monkey in Paradise gin and Tanqueray vodka. It's reasonably priced and a great value. Most importantly, with very good food, it's a great place to dine.
OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
2 reviews
vip
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on January 10, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
Our favorite. Armando and Kosette the best. Great food, relax ambiance in the neighbour.
L
Lauren
New York Area
89 reviews
vip
5.0
89 reviews
Dined on January 9, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
The food and the service are always good

FAQs

Paola's Restaurant offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (212) 794-1890.

Paola's Restaurant is rated 4.4 stars by 1419 OpenTable diners.

Not available on OpenTable

Unfortunately, this restaurant is not on the OpenTable reservation network.

If you like, we'll notify you by email if this restaurant joins.

Is this your restaurant?

Claim this listing

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

(212) 794-1890

Additional information

Cross street
92nd Street
Neighborhood
Upper East Side
Hours of operation
Dinner: Sunday - Monday 5 -10 pm,
Tuesday - Saturday 5 - 11 pm

Lunch: Monday - Friday 12 - 4 pm

Brunch: Saturday 11 - 4 pm

Brunch: Sunday 10 - 4 pm

Stuzzichini "Lite Bites" at the bar or outdoor tables 4 - 6 pm
Cuisines
Italian, Vegetarian
Dining style
Casual Elegant
Dress code
Business Casual
Parking details
After 7 pm, free parking is available on Madison Avenue. Prior to 7 pm, parking can be paid by credit card or coins at the Muni Meter kiosks , after which the receipt should be displayed inside the car on the dashboard. Side street parking is free, but be careful to observe alternate side of the street parking rules indicated on the signs. The nearest parking garage is located on 94th Street between Madison & Park Avenues.
Public transit
Subway:
The nearest subway station is 96th Street and Lexington Avenue. The nearest express subway station is 86th Street and Lexington Avenue.

Bus:
The M1, M2, M3 and M4 busses all stop directly in front of Paola’s at 92nd and Madison Avenue.
Payment options
AMEX, MasterCard, Visa
Executive chef
Paola Bottero
Additional
Banquet, Bar Dining, BYO Wine, Corkage Fee, Delivery, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
http://www.paolasrestaurant.com/
Phone number
(212) 794-1890
Catering
Upscale, farm fresh, home made. Classic Italian, Vegetarian, Gluten Free menus available. Hand made pastas, house made desserts.
Private party facilities
Paola's Restaurant can accommodate private events for 8 – 80 guests. Upstairs from our main dining room we have access to 4 rooms as part of the Hotel Wales, the largest of which, the brand new, stylish Carnegie Room, can accommodate up to 80. We specialize in private parties such as Rehearsal Dinners, Weddings, Baptisms, Business Meetings, Bar Mitzvahs and Fundraisers. In addition, there is a glorious roof top space with views of Central Park available in the spring and summer months. The roof terrace accommodates up to 80 and is serviced by a private kitchen.

There is a cover charge for private spaces and per person menu prices are customized to suit the needs of your event.
Private party contact
Paola Bottero: (212) 794-1890

Featured in

The Best Pizza in New York City

Paola's Restaurant

Not available on OpenTable

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

Additional information

The Best Pizza in New York City

Antipasti

Mozzarella$14.00

Prosciutto$16.00

Calamari in Padella$14.00

Polpettine Alla Romana$14.00

Fegatini Alla Toscana$14.00

Insalata Di Barbe$14.00

Cesare$12.00

Insalata Di Indivia$14.00

Rughetta E Parmigiano$12.00

Olive E Grana$10.00

Pasta

Trofie Genovesi$22.00

Cavatelli Alla Barese$22.00

Linguine Alle Vongole$22.00

Bucatini All'amatriciana 22$22.00

Rigatoni Con Porcini E Salsiccia$22.00

Fettuccine Alla Bolognese$22.00

Pappardelle Con Ragù Di Anatra$22.00

Pici Con Asparagi$22.00

Taglierini Con Funghi$24.00

Agnolotti Al Tartufo$24.00

Spaghetti Al Pomodoro$20.00

Half or Split Order of Pasta$14.00

Secondi

Gamberi Alla Griglia$28.00

Costoletta Di Vitella$42.00

Scaloppina Di Vitella Piccata$28.00

Bistecca$40.00

Anatra$28.00

Pollastrello$22.00

Petto Di Pollo Milanese$22.00

Agnello a Scottadito$40.00

Contorni

Borlotti Beans$8.00

Grilled Asparagus$8.00

Roasted Potatoes$8.00

Spinach Oil and Garlic$8.00

Sauteed String Beans$8.00

Broccoli Raabe$8.00

Mashed Potatoes$8.00

Spinach Pine Nuts, Raisins$8.00

Overall ratings and reviews

Sort by

Filters

FAQs

Does Paola's Restaurant offer delivery through OpenTable or takeout?

How is Paola's Restaurant restaurant rated?

Not available on OpenTable

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

Additional information

Featured in

The Best Pizza in New York City